Coastal threats spur new plan for northern Bellarine

Bellarine Bayside is asking the community to weigh in on how the northern Bellarine coastline should be managed as coastal risks increase.

The organisation has released a draft of its coastal adaption plan, which covers 17km of coastal Crown land from Point Richards to St Leonards.

It sets out a long-term approach to managing erosion and inundation while safeguarding the area’s environmental, cultural and recreational values.

Natural forces such as tides, winds and waves continually reshape the shoreline. But rising sea levels, more frequent storms and changing wind patterns are expected to accelerate those changes, increasing pressure on parts of the coast.

Bellarine Bayside chief executive Scott Crabtree said planning ahead was critical.

“Our coastline is changing, and we need to plan carefully and proactively,” he said.

“This draft plan outlines practical and evidence-based pathways that balance adapting to coastal hazards with protecting the environmental, cultural and social values that make the northern Bellarine coast so special.”

“To face future challenges we need to listen to and work alongside our communities, and we want to hear your thoughts as we shape this plan further.”

The draft plan recognises that responding to coastal hazards is a shared task involving Traditional Owners, land managers, stakeholders and the broader community.

Bellarine Bayside is now inviting feedback on the draft plan. Residents, visitors and community groups can review the document and make submissions online or speak with staff in-person at the Indented Head Post Office on 2 March and during an online drop-in session on 5 March.

To provide feedback before 15 March, or register for the online session on 5 March, head to conversations.bellarinebayside.com.au/coastaladaptationplan